Once the snow melts... conversion begins. But first, a question

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

If I am converting over at startup, and I have an old sand filter which I will be replacing with a new DE system, should I keep the STA-RITE multiport valve on recirculate? I plan as always to put it on Waste as I vacuum out all the Crud from the fall and winter. I only have a mesh safety cover and there is always silt and Crud in there... probably some dead white mold (now gray) in there. My question is why would I put it on regular filter if I am trying to get rid of the baquacil, which I am sure there is some in the filter too.

 

[Newdude]

I never understood either of those filters. Mine filters out dirt and sand and all y'all ADD it on PURPOSE ?????

Sorry I don't know, I just wanted to get a good seat for the conversion.

 

[mguzzy]

I suppose you could leave it on waste.. and do essentially a drain and refill. I think if its not on filter you are not filtering out the baqua goo.... I've heard the process is quite dramatic when you start adding Chlorine.. I hope you can take a vid for us.

3. Add the bleach and watch the pretty colors! Take photos!

 

[Leebo]

During the conversion circulation is key. The chlorine is going to continually interact with the Baqua so the more you’re able to “mix it up” the better. Towards the end there will become a time when trapping the goo in the filter will be beneficial, but towards the beginning there is the chance your filter will become clogged rather quickly thus bypassing the filter maybe in your best interest.

That all said,
Seeing how we’re coming off a very “wet” winter, there’s the possibility you will be very low in Baqua in your pool. This means you may move very quickly through the conversion so keep a close eye on things……you maybe filtering quicker than you think.

If I may ask, is there a reason behind wanting to change filters?

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

I have heard great things about the DE systems. Having had the sand filter for 15 years, watching money backwashed into the yard weekly, I wanted to change it up. I would have to change out the sand anyways so I figured this would be the last time pulling sand. I know many have success with sand but I also want to switch to SWG system.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Pool picture from overnight....

 

[Bperry]

I have heard great things about the DE systems. Having had the sand filter for 15 years, watching money backwashed into the yard weekly, I wanted to change it up. I would have to change out the sand anyways so I figured this would be the last time pulling sand. I know many have success with sand but I also want to switch to SWG system.

On the sand filter, the backwashing doesn’t need to be done once a week unless you have a problem. I think I backwash mine for a few minutes every couple months. I wonder if the chlorine conversion will help you out in that respect?

 

[jessica0917]

When I was on Baqua I was advised to backwash every week so I understand why you were doing it. Once I converted and changed out my sand, I have seldom had to backwash each season and only have to clean the sand (not change it) before I open for the season. My pool has been clear and sparkling ever since I converted.

 

[mguzzy]

I was going to ask the same thing... Once you get the baqua out your sand filter will run a lot better. Unless there is some physical damage to the internals I wouldn't be so quick to replace it. Try running with your sand filter and see how it goes after the conversion. You aren't going to be putting in the new filter before the conversion anyway.

Personally I lived with 2 DE filtered pools in my days.. the second one was my house and I upgraded that thing to a cartridge filter. I hated having to deal with the DE every time I back washed.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

This is what I find very frustrating in life as well as pool ownership. I want a clean, clear pool without the hassles from the past 15 years. We even joked about filling in and planting grass as it has been so frustrating the past few years. This site has been the light at the end of the tunnel I've been stuck in. It is good to hear that some do have great success with sand, even with SWG systems. I will switch to the DE I have coming this week once conversion is done. I will find a spot to hold onto the sand filter after I have cleaned it out. I hope to attempt to research, gain advice from you great people and move forward with some sanity to enjoy the pool. It is meant to be an oasis not a mirage... I sincerely appreciate all the help and advice as we all know the pool chemical sellers have to run a business and that requires buying stuff, not so much advice.

 

[Newdude]

Check the name above. Trouble. Free. Pool.
you got smooooooooth sailing ahead now that you’ve found us.

Don’t hit the back button. That takes you to SuckyYuckyPool and it is highly unadvisable.

 

[Leebo]

My main reasoning for asking is the fact that prices right now on many products seem to be “artificially high” due to Covid and other factors. If you hadn’t purchased the new filter waiting a year likely will save you a few hundred bucks. We’ll be able to help you maintain a clean pool regardless of what type filter you’ve got, just wanted to make sure you weren’t under the impression that the filter is gonna be the main piece of the puzzle.

Same goes for a SWG, prices right now are high. Waiting a year or so may save some coin or they may continue to rise……..only time will tell.

 

[mguzzy]

OR if you got the DE filter at a good price you could make some coin on it and resell it to someone... in Texas

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

You all are great folks sharing your knowledge. I'm also a guy that buys a 2nd Gen Durango as I watch others rust away thinking its a good investment and will last forever, or a guy that buys a 18 yr old Mercedes-AMG hotrod cause its cool and fun.... knowing some parts or repairs are more money than my allowance provides! I have talked up the SWG to the wife and its in her budget (supposedly), but did get the 'You didn't say the filter was that much' when I handed her the bill (even though I showed her before purchase!). And... I am sure I didn't get the most perfected testing system but may have to get buy for this phase. If we do get moved on to the SWG, I'll have to add a Taylor kit with the salt reader...

Thanks all. Get this snow melted off and I'll get dumpin the good stuff in, scoop the bad stuff out!

 

[Leebo]

Which test kit did you purchase?

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Just received the LaMotte ColorQ 2x. It uses the waterlink connect software to send the report to my email. I have used paper and pencil in the past, tried to be record but data analytics isn't my thing. I saw more data or dollars backwashed into the yard for many years. I used to use their similar unit for baquacil/Biguanide the last couple years as all I had was stupid baquacil test strips I couldn't well and always needed my wife to help me. Being colorblind and testing colors has been my downfall. Watching the tutorials on the Taylor kits I could probably manage but would still feel uncomfortable. I will most like still have to have at least the basic to do the FAS/DPD and if we go to salt gen system, will need to upgrade to something. I figure there will be some guess work, while not advisable at all I know, during this conversion. It won't get started until I pull the cover, vacuum out the debris and get filled back to the top again. I still have the old test unit from lamotte and some strips so I plan to see if that 16 ppm drops any before I start dropping in the chlorine. Also, I figure the CH test will get me close enough to keep the fiberglass in its current deteriorated state of 15 years in the Ohio sunshine.

 

[Matt_PEBKAC_Oh]

Here is my first connected test run of the system. I connected with the App, created an account and just ran through each test without samples.

 

[Leebo]

I see one of two things with those results, either your water is acid or the testing stinks. Zero Ta and a pH of 6.3 is very concerning, but I’m not sure if I’d run around just yet as I doubt the accuracy of those tests.

On that note I beg of you to picture me jumping up and down strongly emphasizing this next comment. The FAS/DPD kit is all but required for the conversion as you will be totally blind without it. The ColorQ kit is limited to 10ppm so the entire conversion you’ll be guessing without it. Once you’ve swapped we can work with your setup, but I highly suggest a drop based kit during the conversion.

 

[Newdude]

Watching the tutorials on the Taylor kits I could probably manage but would still feel uncomfortable

It seems like rocket science but it is iliterally

*read laminated card*
*fill tube*
*read next step*
*add X drops of Y*
*read next step*............

by the 3rd time you don’t need the laminated card anymore. But it’s OK. We all felt that way once. You’ll get there too.

 

[Mdragger88]

If i had to choose between swg & new de filter to replace my existing working sand filter this year I would choose the swg hands down. Let the filter ride. As they’ve all said above once u get the baqua goo out of it & are properly maintaining the tfp way backwashing is not as frequent. It’s only required when pressure rises 25% over clean pressure- not on a specific schedule. I would definitely get a fas/dpd kit & the Taylor salt kit to add to your tools. They are about $30 each but will save u much headache.
I am looking forward to seeing your conversion! Another member here mentioned testing for how much baqua /cdx was in the water before conversion began so they could compare that to how long the conversion took. If u have that ability it would be useful info for others.